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Good info, Brian, thanks. Since most all my fish come from wholesalers and jobbers, I haven't really checked what pet shops are calling what these days. I suppose the youngsters of proximus are similar to young surinamensis in color?

Dave

Sorry Dave forgot about this one.......
It's not so much that they look similiar but it is my understanding that there aren't many true surinamensis around. I remember an article long ago maybe late 90's that said no actual surinamensis have been imported into the U.S. at that time. If that has changed today I am not sure, but any fish that looks close to a surinamensis they have been calling geophagus surinamensis. I have seen 3" brasiliensis labelled G. Surinamensis RARE fish and selling for $20. I think it has become a catch all title when in fact more than likely they are geophagus proximus or geophagus naevii.
Kind of like today with the gymnogeophagus, although I think they are doing a better job with labelling these guys.
Like Gymnogeophagus N. SP. Paso Pache "Rio Santa Lucia"
but how long will it be before they are simply gymno paso pache?

Awesome stuff Dave! I love the eartheaters! I keep one male and 3 female steindachneri. They are constantly having clutches of eggs and I have quite a number of fry now. I posted an article here about them...yours was GREAT!